City of Dreams Sri Lanka opens
The US$1.2bn integrated resort is expected to position Sri Lanka as the “Macau of South Asia”.
Sri Lanka.- City of Dreams Sri Lanka has opened, marking the launch of South Asia’s first integrated resort. Developed by Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings (JKH) with global casino giant Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the US$1.2bn project is intended as a premier destination for high-end tourism, gaming, and international events.
Spanning over 4 million square feet, the venue has a 180,000-square-foot Melco-operated casino and two luxury hotels: the 687-room Cinnamon Life and the 113-room Nuwa, part of Melco’s brand. There’s a luxury shopping promenade, 17 high-end dining venues, event and exhibition spaces and residential and office components.
The opening was attended by Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan and Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
“This is not just a luxury resort, it’s a statement of intent,” said Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts. “Sri Lanka has the potential to become to India what Macau is to China. The proximity, the cultural ties, and the emerging affluence of India’s middle and upper classes make Colombo a natural hub for high-value regional tourism.”
JKH chairperson Krishan Balendra said: “This is about putting Colombo on the global map for business, entertainment, and MICE tourism.”
City of Dreams is expected to attract affluent tourists from India, China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Some 500 international guests attended the opening weekend.
